Don't worry. Enough of us new hires have been wronged at previous carriers and we understand the need for a strong CBA and an advocate. As other new guys I got the call to attend these dinners. My mind has been made up on this vote since before I was hired so I won't attend. Nothing personal against the company. I've actually been treated with nothing but respect and professionalism and can say I like it very much here. But I plan to retire from here and realize the need for a CBA to ensure we get what is fair.
Then again, I was ALPA in my previous job and we got played repeatedly by management, with out MEC's help. I hope that we can get good people in, people that will stand strong but not ostracize management to where dialogue and mutual respect become impossible.

Excellent post. Your opinion as a junior un-jaded new guy is probably more valuable than mine. Thanks for posting.